Q re child seats- E46 3 series Cabrio

Q re child seats- E46 3 series Cabrio

Author
Discussion

Robertb

Original Poster:

1,923 posts

244 months

Sunday 25th June 2006
quotequote all
I am looking to fit a child seat in my B3S Cabrio- has anyone had any experience of fitting a stage 3 seat (3 yrs up to about 11yrs thanks to the new EU rules) to one of these?

The problem is the rear headrests- they stick out a bit, stopping the back of the child seat fitting snugly against the seat back. They cannot be removed because of the roll-over protection.

Anyone found a brand/type that fits?

Thanks

Robert.

bullitt rich

550 posts

222 months

Monday 26th June 2006
quotequote all
What year is your car? All E46 3 series have ISOfix as standard, even the convertible.

What child seat are you putting in? Both ISOfix and normal seats will fit in no problem at all.

I've fit loads of these for customers, they even fit in 6 series coupes and convertibles.

I would definately suggest, if your car is 2003 or later buy an ISOfix seat, its safer, stronger and easier to put in.

Robertb

Original Poster:

1,923 posts

244 months

Monday 26th June 2006
quotequote all
Thanks,

Its a 2004 MY, it does indeed have the Isofix mounting. I'm trying to put in a Maxi-Cosi Rhodi... fits our A8 fine, but not the BMW...

What Isofix seat do you recommend, for child age 3+ ?

Cheers

Robert.

Edited by Robertb on Monday 26th June 07:56

Zod

35,295 posts

264 months

Monday 26th June 2006
quotequote all
Have you tried the BMW one?

davidd

6,521 posts

290 months

Monday 26th June 2006
quotequote all
The BMW ISOfix seat has a weight limit for using it with the ISOfix fixing. I'll check what that is but I suspect that at three your child will be at the upper limit.

The seat can still be used but as a normal one not ISOfix (ie restrained by the belts).

I could easily be talked into selling ours if asked (and some cash was waved).

D

Robertb

Original Poster:

1,923 posts

244 months

Monday 26th June 2006
quotequote all
Hi David,

Was your seat installed in a Cabrio?

Thx,

Robert.

merlot

1,510 posts

259 months

Monday 26th June 2006
quotequote all
Same problem in the Audi A4 Cab with the rear head restraints stopping seats like the Britax HiLiner fitting properly. I bought the Britax Elite which is a five point harness seat for ages up to six or so and doesn't need to be touching the seat other than at the bottom and the top. Britax's fit finder says that it fits my car.

The Spanish company Jane has just brought out a stage II/III seat which uses the ISOFIX fixings and a seat belt. I'm going to take a peek.

davidd

6,521 posts

290 months

Tuesday 27th June 2006
quotequote all
Robertb said:
Hi David,

Was your seat installed in a Cabrio?

Thx,

Robert.


No a coupe

Robertb

Original Poster:

1,923 posts

244 months

Tuesday 27th June 2006
quotequote all
davidd said:
Robertb said:
Hi David,

Was your seat installed in a Cabrio?

Thx,

Robert.


No a coupe


Therein lies the prob- I had a coupe before, the headrests in the cabrio seem to stick out more, perhaps because of the roll protection system in the back of the headrests.

Merlot, I have just looked at the Jane website- it is the Indy seat that you mention.

www.jane.es/seguretat/index.php?fuseaction=indyteam#box1

It uses the Isofix mountings to achieve greater stability in bends, to retain the seat in place when not in use, and allow movement of the back rest. It does not secure the seat per se as with group 1 seats, but uses the 3 point belt to keep nipper in place. Looks like it may be the answer!

Edited by Robertb on Tuesday 27th June 11:53

bullitt rich

550 posts

222 months

Tuesday 27th June 2006
quotequote all
BMW ISOfix seats range between 9months and 7 years.

merlot

1,510 posts

259 months

Tuesday 27th June 2006
quotequote all
The Indy Plus is the seat. Let me know how you get on as I'm keen on getting one also.

PetrolTed

34,443 posts

309 months

Wednesday 28th June 2006
quotequote all
bullitt rich said:
What year is your car? All E46 3 series have ISOfix as standard, even the convertible.


Really? Even a 2000 model?

bullitt rich

550 posts

222 months

Wednesday 28th June 2006
quotequote all
PetrolTed said:
bullitt rich said:
What year is your car? All E46 3 series have ISOfix as standard, even the convertible.


Really? Even a 2000 model?


Sorry no, I missed a word out there, its should read as all E46 3 Series from 2003 have ISOfix as standard, my apologies.

Robertb

Original Poster:

1,923 posts

244 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
quotequote all
Went to Babyworld with my car on Friday, and tried loads of different seats.

The Jane Ultra did not fit, and neither did the Maxi Cosi Rhodi, Recaro etc.

In the end, the best fit and my choice was the Britax Evolva or Evolva Ultra-

http://shop.babyworld.co.uk/DisplayDe

The head restraint had a slightly different design which meant it could go up and down without getting involved with the car's rear headrest.

So lots of happy family top down Alpina motoring for us this sunny weekend

vee

3,101 posts

240 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
quotequote all
Can the offending head restraint not be removed until such time that junior doesn't require the seat anymore ?
I guess the seat is going to be permanently installed until then so it wouldn't matter whether the head restaint was there or not.

Zod

35,295 posts

264 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
quotequote all
vee said:
Can the offending head restraint not be removed until such time that junior doesn't require the seat anymore ?
I guess the seat is going to be permanently installed until then so it wouldn't matter whether the head restaint was there or not.
Nope, because they contain the rollover protection mechanism.

vee

3,101 posts

240 months

Monday 3rd July 2006
quotequote all
Oh yes, missed that bit !